Fringilla B&B

(chalets, camping) Tel/fax: 01 611199; fax: 01 611213; email: fringilla@zamnet.zmSituated about 50km north of Lusaka on the Great North Road towards Kabwe (look out for the sign on the east side of the road), Fringilla makes a good base if you have transport, though it is far if you want to spend much time in Lusaka itself, and it's close to a busy road. It's part of a large, working farm which has expanded now to include a butchery (which also makes processed meats), a dairy, a clinic, a post office and even a small ZNCB bank.

Amidst these is the small B&B run by Alan and Julie Fringilla. A restaurant, lounge and kitchen now occupy the old farm building, around which is a large veranda and lawn dotted with tables and chairs. The chalets are arranged around the main farmhouse; all have en-suite facilities and are simple but pleasant. Separate from the main house, there is a shady campsite complete with an ablution block (with baths and showers) and a small field kitchen where you can cook (there's a farm shop for fresh produce, including meat). If you don't want to camp then there are also a few simple huts here, sharing the campers' facilities.

Meals are a big focus here and the cooking is excellent. 'Wholesome country cuisine' is supplemented with 'themed' dinners (eg: Indian, Thai, etc) from around the world. Lunch or dinner cost around US$10. Horse riding is possible and there are pleasant walks around the farm, as well as a playground for children. Game drives can be arranged (in advance) on a nearby game farm.